(December 31, 2013) Researchers say that vitamin E might help slow the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
In a study of more than 600 older veterans, high doses of the vitamin delayed a decline in daily living skills, such as making meals, getting dressed and holding a conversation, by about six months over a two-year period, researchers said.
It's the first time any treatment has been shown to alter the course of dementia at that stage.
Current Alzheimer's medicines just temporarily ease symptoms.
Doctors say people should not rush to take vitamin E without discussing its possible risks with a doctor, however.
The Department of Veterans Affairs sponsored the study and the results were published Tuesday by the Journal of the American Medical Association.